Early Childhood Educator

Position: Early Childhood Educator LEVEL 1, LEVEL 2 OR LEVEL3

Main Purpose of the Job

To nurture and support the developmental needs of young children through engaging, age-appropriate educational activities, fostering a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment.

Reports to:

Director or Owner

Direct Reports:

Assistant Early Childhood Educator

Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop and Implement Curriculum

• Utilize a variety of teaching methods to engage children in active learning.

Provide Individualized Support

• Assess each child’s developmental needs and progress, offering personalized support and interventions as necessary.
• Adapt teaching methods and materials to meet the diverse needs and of all children.

Ensure a Safe and Healthy Environment

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe classroom environment at all times.
• Follow health and safety protocols to ensure the well‑being of all children.

Foster Positive Relationships

• Build trusting relationships with children, families, and colleagues through effective communication and collaboration.
• Encourage positive interactions and social skills among children.

Document and Report

• Keep detailed records of children’s progress, incidents, and daily activities.
• Prepare and share regular reports with parents and supervisors.

Engage in Continuous Professional Development

• Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
• Implement new strategies and techniques learned to enhance educational outcomes.

Facilitate Parental Involvement

• Communicate regularly with parents about their child’s progress and any concerns.
• Organize and participate in parent‑teacher meetings and events to foster strong partnerships.

Promote Inclusivity and Diversity

• Ensure an inclusive classroom environment that respects and celebrates diversity.
• Adapt teaching approaches to accommodate children from various cultural backgrounds and with different abilities.

Plan and Supervise Daily Activities

• Organize and oversee daily routines, including meals, naps, and playtime.
• Ensure that activities are balanced and provide opportunities for both structured and free play.

Collaborate with Team Members

• Work effectively with other educators, aides, and administrative staff to ensure a cohesive and supportive educational environment.
• Share insights and strategies for enhancing the overall program and addressing individual child needs.

Qualifications

Education

• A minimum of a Child Development Worker (Level 2) certification or Child Development Supervisor (Level 3) certification as per Alberta Child Care Licensing Regulations.
• A diploma or degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field is preferred.

Specialized Knowledge

• Knowledge of child development theories and practices.
• Understanding of Alberta Child Care Licensing Regulations and Standards.
• Familiarity with curriculum development and early childhood education best practices.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with children, parents, and colleagues.
• Ability to create and implement age‑appropriate lesson plans and activities.
• Skilled in observing and assessing children’s development and learning.
• Competence in managing classroom behavior and creating a positive learning environment.
• Ability to handle emergency situations calmly and efficiently.

Professional Certification

• Current Child Development Worker (Level 2) or Child Development Supervisor (Level 3) certification.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification.
• Police Information Check including Vulnerable Sector Search.

Experience

• A minimum of 2 years of experience working in a licensed childcare setting.
• Experience with diverse groups of children, including those with special needs, is an asset.
• Proven track record of developing and maintaining positive relationships with children, families, and staff.

Additional Requirements

• Up‑to‑date immunizations as recommended for childcare workers.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training.

Working Conditions

Physical Environment

• Primarily works indoors in a classroom or childcare center setting.
• Occasionally participates in outdoor activities regardless of weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
• May need to lift and carry children and equipment, requiring physical strength and stamina.

Noise Level

• Frequently exposed to moderate to high noise levels typical of a childcare environment, including sounds from children playing, talking, and crying.

Health and Safety

• Must follow strict health and safety guidelines to ensure a clean and hygienic environment, including regular handwashing, sanitizing toys and surfaces, and managing illness outbreaks.
• May be exposed to bodily fluids and infectious diseases and must use appropriate protective measures.

Working Hours

• Generally works weekdays, but may be required to work occasional evenings or weekends for special events, parent meetings, or training sessions.
• May be required to work shifts to cover the operating hours of the childcare center, which can range from early morning to late evening.

Emotional and Mental Demands

• Requires the ability to handle stress and remain calm in challenging situations, such as managing behavioral issues or emergencies.
• Involves constant engagement and interaction with children, requiring high levels of patience and energy.

Team Environment

• Works collaboratively with other educators, staff, and management, requiring strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Must adapt to the dynamic and sometimes unpredictable nature of working with young children.

Physical Requirements

Strength Guidelines

• Must be able to lift and carry children weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Occasionally required to lift and move classroom equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 lbs.

Mobility

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and crouching to engage with children at their level.
• Ability to move quickly and respond to the physical needs of children, including running during outdoor activities or emergencies.

Manual Dexterity

• Requires the ability to use hands to handle and manipulate objects, tools, and materials used in classroom activities.
• Proficient in performing tasks that require fine motor skills, such as cutting, drawing, and writing.

Endurance

• Must have the stamina to engage in continuous physical activity throughout the day, including playing, supervising, and interacting with children.
• Ability to sustain attention and maintain energy levels in a dynamic and sometimes noisy environment.

Sensory Requirements

• Adequate vision to observe children's activities and ensure safety.
• Hearing ability sufficient to monitor children's conversations and respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and non‑verbally, with children, parents, and staff.

Motion Parameters

Standing and Walking

• Frequently required to stand and walk for extended periods while supervising and interacting with children.
• Must be able to move throughout the classroom and outdoor play areas to monitor activities and ensure safety.

Sitting

• Occasionally required to sit on the floor or in child‑sized furniture to engage with children at their level.
• Periodic sitting at a desk or table for administrative tasks and lesson planning.

Bending and Stooping

• Frequently required to bend and stoop to assist children, pick up toys, and engage in activities that require being at the child's eye level.

Squatting and Kneeling

• Often required to squat and kneel to interact with children during playtime, activities, and while assisting with personal care routines.

Lifting and Carrying

• Regularly required to lift and carry children, equipment, and supplies, as outlined in the physical requirements section.

Reaching and Stretching

• Must be able to reach and stretch to retrieve items from shelves, set up learning materials, and assist children with various tasks.

Climbing

• Occasionally required to climb stairs within the facility or during outings to supervise children.

Hand and Arm Motion

• Frequent use of hands and arms for tasks such as writing, drawing, cutting, and using classroom tools and equipment.

Vision and Hearing Requirements

Vision

• Close Vision: Must be able to read and interpret documents, lesson plans, and educational materials. Required for monitoring children's activities and behavior.
• Distance Vision: Necessary for supervising children during outdoor play and ensuring their safety in various settings.
• Peripheral Vision: Important for being aware of the entire classroom environment and identifying potential hazards.
• Depth Perception: Needed for setting up classroom equipment, organizing activities, and ensuring safe physical interactions among children.
• Ability to Adjust Focus: Required for transitioning between different tasks and visual demands, such as switching from reading to observing children.

Hearing

• Hearing Acuity: Must be able to hear children’s voices clearly in a potentially noisy environment to respond to needs, questions, or emergencies.
• Verbal Communication: Essential for effective interaction with children, parents, and staff, requiring the ability to hear and interpret verbal communication accurately.
• Alarm and Safety Signals: Must be able to hear and respond to alarms, emergency signals, and other auditory cues to ensure the safety and well‑being of children.

Psychological Demands

Decision‑Making

• Required to make quick and effective decisions in response to emergencies, behavioral issues, and unexpected situations to ensure the safety and well‑being of children.
• Daily decisions regarding lesson planning, activity coordination, and individualized support for children’s developmental needs.

Supervision

• Responsible for supervising children throughout the day, ensuring their safety, and guiding their behavior.
• May also supervise assistant educators, classroom aides, and interns, providing direction and support.

Problem Solving

• Must be adept at identifying and resolving conflicts among children, finding creative solutions to engage children in learning, and addressing individual developmental challenges.
• Regularly troubleshoot logistical issues within the classroom, such as managing resources and adapting activities to varying needs.

Reading and Writing

• Required to read and interpret educational materials, regulations, and policies.
• Must keep accurate and detailed records of children’s progress, write reports, and communicate effectively through written correspondence with parents and colleagues.

Public Speaking

• Occasionally required to speak publicly during parent meetings, training sessions, and staff meetings.
• Must be able to clearly and confidently present information and answer questions.

Data Interpretation

Necessary to observe and assess children’s developmental progress, interpret assessment data, and use this information to inform teaching strategies and interventions.